Gary Neville highlighted Tottenham striker Harry Kane and Arsenal’s flying winger Bukayo Saka as players who ‘always deliver’ for England after they thrashed Iran 6-2 at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The former Manchester United defender highlighted how Kane didn’t get on the scoresheet for England, but expressed the ‘trust’ he had in players like Saka and Tottenham’s main man, as he told ITV Sport.
Saka was the star of the show for his country on his World Cup debut by netting a brace, with Kane failing to get on the scoresheet, but supplying the assist of the tournament so far when his Kevin de Bruyne-esque cross found the on-rushing Raheem Sterling inside the penalty area.
There is always more noise than belief and confidence heading into a major tournament, and with England suffering relegation from their UEFA Nations League last time out, there was a lot being thrown at Gareth Southgate.
But once again, he answered those critics, although there is still a long way to go, as Neville highlighted Kane and Saka when praising the Three Lions.
“Set pieces are massive for England,” said Neville. “These lads, I was a little bit nervous before the game, I thought it was an awkward group.
“They have all got involved. Saka. I know Harry (Kane) hasn’t scored. But these lads don’t disappoint. It’s the third tournament where we have watched these lads and they always deliver. They step up. You can trust them – to beat them 6-2 is some statement.”
ENGLAND COOKING EARLY
Any nerves have been put away with that dominant win because England’s attacking might shone through.
It was great to see Gareth Southgate start Saka because his Premier League form deserved it, especially given that he had someone like Phil Foden on the bench.
And whilst fans won’t see it on the domestic circuit, at least supporters get to see two of north London’s finest cook on the international stage.
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